Trump on Whitmer: ‘I’d like to run against her’

Former President Trump said on Saturday he wanted to run against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) as some Democrats have called on President Biden to step aside from the presidential race.

“Well, you have a terrible governor here who did a terrible job – Whitmer,” Trump said while campaigning in Grand Rapids, Mich. “I'd like to run against her.”

He also reminded attendees about an instance during the COVID-19 pandemic when Whitmer’s husband sought to use his proximity to the governor to get his boat docked in time for Memorial Day, during a period when Whitmer had cautioned residents regarding heading to the lakes. 

Whitmer later addressed the incident during a press conference, saying “I wish it wouldn’t have happened” and said that it was “a failed attempt at humor.”

“Her husband was sailing in the middle of your lake, your beautiful lake – he’s out there sailing, and everybody else had to be locked up, right?” Trump said during the rally.

“No, she's done a terrible job, but I hope – I'd be very happy with her,” he added.

Whitmer has been among a handful of Democrats floated as potential replacements for Biden amid lingering questions over the president’s candidacy. The Michigan governor has disavowed the speculation that she’s eyeing the presidency this cycle. 

The former president also quipped about Democrats’ uncertainty over their presidential nominee, saying, ”Number one, they have no idea who their candidate is, and neither do we. That's a problem.”

Trump wasn’t the only one that took a jab at Whitmer. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), Trump’s running mate, also dinged the Michigan governor while introducing Trump, calling her a “problem.”